Sydney Swans like the cut of locals’ jibs

Two stars of the AFL North West Women’s competition have taken the next step forward in their careers, having made the cut to gain inclusion in the Sydney Swans Academy NAB League squads.

Ruby Spark (17, Tamworth) has been included in the Swans Academy Under 18 female squad, whilst Lauren Appleby (15, Moree) has been selected in the Under 16 female squad.

The NAB League is the premier underage competition in the country and is one of the primary sources of recruitment for AFLW clubs with recruiters regularly attending matches.

Ruby and Lauren have each been included in squads of 40 players. Their next goal is to force their way into the top 23 players in their age groups to give themselves the chance to feature in up to six NAB League matches during the season.

Paul Taylor, Community Football Manager, said that the three players have more than shown the dedication to go far in the sport.

“Ruby and Lauren made regular trips to Sydney before Christmas as part of the selection process and, since being announced in the squad, have been to Sydney on several occasions to do multiple day blocks of training,” Taylor said.

“The commitment that these young stars have shown is outstanding and, when combined with their obvious talent, they have the opportunity to put themselves on the pathway to a bright future in the game.”

Former Gunnedah Bulldog Alice Mitchell is already on the Sydney Swans AFLW list, and with Ruby and Lauren’s selection in these squads, the region is starting to gain a reputation as an untapped resource.

There will be more opportunities than ever for girls in the region to play footy with the AFL North West Youth Girls competition kicking off in April. To find your local club please go to play.AFL.